The war in Iraq. What do we know now?

This article gives a very comprehensive comparison of the promises that were made at the start of the war and the reality that exists today. It is extremely informative and I urge you to read it all. Here are some examples.

THE PROMISE:
"Having liberated Iraq as promised, we will help that country to found a just and representative government, as promised. Our goal is a swift transition to Iraqi control of their own affairs. People of Iraq will be secure, and the people of Iraq will run their own country."
George Bush, 1 July 2003

THE REALITY:
"Almost three years after the invasion, it is still not certain whether, or in what sense, Iraq is a nation. And after two elections and a referendum on the constitution, Iraq barely has a government."
Conservative US columnist George Will, March 2006

THE STATISTIC:
86 days since the Iraqi people voted on 15 December 2005, without a government being formed.

THE PROMISE:
"Our progress has been uneven but progress is being made. We are improving roads and schools and health clinics and working to improve basic services like sanitation, electricity and water. And together with our allies, we will help the new Iraqi government deliver a better life for its citizens."
George Bush, 27 June 2005

THE REALITY:
"The Iraqi people are suffering from a desperate lack of jobs, housing, health care and electricity ... If you compare this to the situation in the 1980s, you will see a major deterioration of the situation."
Barham Saleh (planning minister) in 'Living conditions in Iraq 2004', a survey by Iraqi authorities and UN

Nothing in this article gives any appearance that we are going to be able to turn this thing around. The administration will bemoan that fact that once again the press is only covering the negative but I have to say that whatever the postive is it is no where near as compelling as the negative. This thing is devolving from a quagmire to a cesspool. Yes, things are turning to shit!